Tornado drill across Virginia set for March 12

A statewide tornado drill is scheduled for March 12 at 9:45 a.m. with a tone alert sent out over radio and television broadcasts.

Over the past two years, 62 tornadoes have touched down in Virginia, said a state spokesman. The twisters have claimed the lives of 10 people, injured more than 100 residents and caused millions of dollars in property damage.

In the March 12 statewide tornado drill, the National Weather Service will send a test tornado warning that will trigger a tone alert and broadcast message on NOAA Weather Radio. Once the tornado warning is broadcast, people should move quickly as possible to a safe area in a sturdy building, said a state spokesman.

Safe areas include basements, interior rooms, bathrooms, closets or hallways on the lowest level of a building. Also, stay away from windows. Once in the safe area, crouch down or sit on the floor facing down and cover your head with your hands.

The Gloucester County Public School System will be participating in the tornado drill.